20 Years Later: Why ‘Revenge of the Sith’ Still Reigns as the Best Prequel

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As a die-hard Star Wars fan, I can hardly believe that it’s been two whole decades since “Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith” graced our screens. But here we are, and it’s nothing short of exhilarating to know that Lucasfilm and Disney are re-releasing this masterpiece in cinemas nationwide. The anticipation for this event has been tremendous, and rightfully so! “Episode III” stands tall as the cream of the prequel trilogy, and it’s undeniably one of the greatest Star Wars films ever created. I can hardly wait to immerse myself in its epic storytelling once more on the big screen.

Regarding the Star Wars prequels, it’s clear that George Lucas truly saved his finest work for the end. “Episode III: Revenge of the Sith” is an exceptional conclusion to the prequel saga and a film that maintains its quality regardless of being viewed on multiple occasions. Upon rewatching it, I was once more struck by my lasting affection for it, an appreciation that has remained strong from its first release through every subsequent viewing.

In “Episode III”, set three years into the Clone Wars, we kick off with a thrilling sequence above Coruscant as Jedi Masters Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) and Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen) attempt to rescue Chancellor Palpatine (Ian McDiarmid), who has been seized by General Grievous, the head of the Separatist droid army. Despite their efforts, they are unable to apprehend Grievous, but manage to save the Chancellor. This opening scene is packed with action, breathtaking visuals, and hints at significant plot points. It also provides a bit of humor before the story takes a more ominous turn.

In the third installment of the series, Lucas accelerates the narrative significantly due to the extensive plot points that need resolution. Obi-Wan embarks on a mission to apprehend Grievous in an attempt to bring an end to the conflict. Simultaneously, Palpatine persists in his power grab by skillfully orchestrating politics and warfare. However, it’s Anakin whom the Chancellor targets most keenly, covertly seeking to corrupt him towards the dark side. Amidst this intrigue, Anakin and Padme (Natalie Portman) strive to keep their marriage a secret, finding it increasingly challenging once she announces her pregnancy.

The multitude of unresolved plotlines can be intimidating, yet Lucas skillfully wraps them up effectively. His handling of both narrative flow and mood is exceptional. He maintains a clear perspective, avoiding unnecessary subplots. The film primarily revolves around Anakin, with Padme and Obi-Wan on one side, and Palpatine on the other. As expected, we witness Anakin’s transformation into Darth Vader, which Lucas portrays in a compelling and frequently emotional manner.

It doesn’t imply that other important characters and storylines are neglected. Yoda, superbly voiced by Frank Oz once more, has significant scenes as does Samuel L. Jackson’s Mace Windu. Lucas addresses questions about the Jedi Order, the Trade Federation, and of course some larger ones that link directly to “Episode IV”. As a longtime fan of the original Star Wars trilogy, it’s quite impressive to see these two trilogies come together so cohesively.

In this new film, both Christensen and Portman significantly improve their performances compared to the previous one. Christensen, in particular, demonstrates an impressive leap, especially considering the challenging and complex material he had to handle. His ability to portray a wide range of emotions and undergo significant character transformation is commendable, although there are a few lines delivered with some discomfort. However, overall, his performance is strong. Similarly, Portman seems more at ease with her character, delivering another solid performance. McGregor and McDiarmid also give outstanding performances, adding to the film’s overall appeal.

In “Episode III,” the visual focus appears more refined. It lacks the superficial sequences that primarily function as CGI spectacles. Instead, every element contributes to the narrative, characters, settings, and ambiance. Additionally, John Williams’ remarkable musical talent is showcased, with over 50 Academy Award nominations under his belt. Over time, his music has significantly impacted the “Star Wars” storyline, and “Episode III” includes some of his finest compositions, particularly during the film’s ominous second half.

It’s clear that my fondness for “Revenge of the Sith” hasn’t waned, and revisiting it on its 20th Anniversary has only intensified this feeling. It continues to be an impressive finale for the prequels and a smooth transition to the timeless original films. Watching them consecutively as one 415-minute epic mostly alleviates concerns about the earlier episodes. What’s more, they remain part of the official Star Wars lore and have paved the way for a wealth of captivating content that’s still being developed today.

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2025-04-26 18:58